Musician's Uniform Frock Coat and Cap

Physical Description

Coat of dark blue with gold-colored buttons. Sky-blue trim indicating an infantry musician. Blue wool cap with black brim. Musician's insignia on crown.

General History

Most army musicians used their talent to provide signals in battle or cadence on marches. However, music went further than just imparting order. It provided vigor to weary souls or comfort to the distraught.

General Philip H. Sheridan loved music and took a personal interest in bands. Performing under fire was commonplace for bands under his command. They performed at the front during battle playing the liveliest airs in their repertory. At Dinwiddie Court House, Sheridan massed all his musicians on the firing line with the order to “play the gayest tunes in their books. . . Play them loud and keep on playing them, and never mind if a bullet goes through a trombone, or even a trombonist, now and then.”